After the Portland Timbers' memorable 2013 season, we are looking ahead to 2014 by offering fans a chance to evaluate the team's impact players.

Today, we wrap up our You be the Portland Timbers GM feature with the forward position. Check out the breakdowns and assessments from our panel — The Oregonian's Jamie Goldberg and bloggers Kip Kesgard, Rick Curwen and Jennifer Kesgard — then cast your vote and add your thoughts in the comments section below.

Forward

Jamie Goldberg breaks down the position: Caleb Porter enjoyed talking about the Timbers' depth at forward this season. The four forwards all brought something different to the field, allowing Porter to choose his starter based on how he felt his team should approach each game. Still, no forward truly stood out in 2013, and both Ryan Johnson and Frederic Piquionne are reaching the ends of their careers, while Max Urruti and Jose Valencia are still developing. It would be surprising if Portland brings back all four, and the Timbers may try to upgrade at the position by looking for a marquee striker in the offseason.

Kip Kesgard breaks down the position: We’ve talked about the problems that the Timbers had in scoring goals, and much of that fell upon the group of forwards that took the pitch for Portland in 2012. Boasting mostly a new cast of characters, the Timbers vastly improved their offense with forwards who could finish many of the chances produced. There were points where the attack was slightly off base and not scoring, but this group could create opportunities to put the ball on frame with the best of them. This stable of forwards does have some question marks going into the 2014 season, but they can point to 2013 as a relatively successful campaign.

Rick Curwen breaks down the position: The forwards spent 2013 as a group in transition. Ryan Johnson and Frederic Piquionne provided the experience, Jose Valencia and Max Urruti the raw talent in need of experience. The club is looking for a new No. 9 for next season (11:44 into the linked video), which suggests the Timbers aren't confident that Ryan Johnson will re-sign and that they want to reinforce that position. I'm excited about watching Urruti next year, and Valencia's game should benefit from the experience he gained this year.

Jennifer Kesgard breaks down the position: This is going to sting. Frankly, the Timbers are all over the place way up front. Just when you think they’ve got it all figured out, the system breaks down. The Timbers need a lot more consistent firepower from their strikers. But are these the guys to get it done?

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/7645199/"&amp;amp;amp;gt;You be the Timbers GM: Rate Ryan Johnson&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;Jamie Goldberg says: Johnson scored nine goals for the Timbers during the regular season — one of only four Timbers to score nine or more goals. And in Portland’s first playoff game against the Seattle Sounders, Johnson scored the Timbers' first goal to help lead Portland to an important 1-0 win. Still, Johnson struggled to earn a consistent starting spot at the crowded forward position and didn’t seem to bring exactly the right mix of skills to the Timbers. The Timbers will likely look to solidify a starter who fits into their system at forward, and Johnson might not be that person. Tradable for the right piece

Kip Kesgard says: Johnson certainly started the 2013 in style with a hat trick in the Timbers' preseason tournament, and he finished the season tied for second in goals scored with nine. This accomplishment was more impressive considering that he missed several matches when he was called up for the Jamaican national team for Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying matches. Though he had several memorable matches for the Timbers, he also had plenty of efforts where I felt he wasn’t meshing as well within the offense. I’d love to see what he might be able to do without losing time away from the Timbers, but with his scoring prowess, I’d be willing to consider any offers should another club be looking for a viable forward who combines good passing skills with a nose for the ball. Tradable for the right piece

Rick Curwen says: His nine regular-season goals (four assists) placed him tied for second among the Timbers' scorers, and his goal in the playoffs against Real Salt Lake bumped him up to tied for first with Diego Valeri for the complete season. Johnson started the season scoring consistently but fell out of favor after being substituted at halftime of the 4-2 loss to Real Salt Lake on Aug. 20. From then on, he didn't get much playing time until the playoffs, when he started three out of four matches. Out of contract, Johnson has been made an offer by the Timbers but is rumored to be looking overseas for a club next season. Tradable for the right piece

Jennifer Kesgard says: Johnson started off the 2013 season with a dominant scoring presence. As the season progressed, he lost his rhythm due to various circumstances I’m sure my fellow writers have already discussed, and his scoring frequency disappeared right along with it. I think he’s a great player and has a beautiful smile. However, I don’t think he fits in well anymore at the energy level he’s playing with now. He may not be with the Timbers much longer. Tradable for the right piece

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/7645200/"&amp;amp;amp;gt;You be the Timbers GM: Rate Frederic Piquionne&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;Jamie Goldberg says: Piquionne was the Timbers' most dangerous player in the air during 2013. In only seven starts, he scored one goal and recorded five assists. But a lingering ankle injury kept out the 34-year-old veteran for a shocking nine games. And when Porter decided to start Piquionne in the playoffs against Real Salt Lake, the forward came off limping in only the 27th minute. Piquionne is dangerous when he’s healthy, but it’s unclear whether he can maintain his health for a full season. Tradable for the right piece

Kip Kesgard says: The striker with the most impressive resume in terms of career stops and highlights, Piquionne was a late addition to the team to give the forward core some explosiveness and experience. After several matches as a substitute and coming so close to scoring a goal for the Timbers, Piquionne put on a show in the Timbers' U.S. Open Cup match versus Wilmington, tallying four goals in the first half of a 5-0 win. Unfortunately, during the later stages of the season, he was hampered by a lingering ankle injury that kept him from training. Of the Timbers' forwards, he has the most ability to win balls in the air and he holds up well in traffic, but it’s important for him to stay healthy and fit especially at his age. I think he could also be a good asset as a mentor to some of the Timbers' younger scorers. Worth holding onto

Rick Curwen says: Piquionne signed for the Timbers after spending the previous two years with West Ham United in England. An ankle injury in the middle of the season limited his appearances to a total of 23, eight being starts. Ranked third in team assists (five), he scored one goal during the MLS regular season, plus the late goal that pulled the Timbers back to within 4-2 against Real Salt Lake in the first leg of the Western Conference final. He notched up five goals and one assist in the club's 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run. His strengths are in the air and the ability to hold the ball toward the end of matches, thereby running down the clock. He is out of contract and currently considering an offer from the club. Worth holding onto

Jennifer Kesgard says: This guy is good. As a veteran, Piquionne has enough experience to bounce back from interruptions and injury, so I’m not concerned about him in the slightest for the new season. Besides, I just finally got down his name pronunciation and I would hate to put all that effort to waste. If you know the BPL side I follow, you may actually find that last comment amusing. Worth holding onto

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/7645201/"&amp;amp;amp;gt;You be the Timbers GM: Rate Max Urruti&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;Jamie Goldberg says: Urruti is definitely part of the Timbers' long-term plan. They started scouting Urruti in November 2012 and jumped at the opportunity to acquire the forward from Toronto in September. The 22-year-old scored one goal in just four starts for the Timbers in 2013, and Porter said he liked Urruti’s ability to press. Urruti is still developing, but it is clear that the Timbers would like to see him as their starting forward in the future. Worth holding onto

Kip Kesgard says: We got glimpses of what Urruti can bring to the pitch later in the season after acquiring him from Toronto FC with his speed and goal versus the Galaxy in September. However, it is a lot to ask a player traded to Portland in September who is already trying to acclimate himself to MLS to then become the go-to target forward the team needs. I think he possesses some needed skills within the team – tenacity, pace and fortitude – but I think the real key is how he acclimates to his teammates during the offseason after extended practices and training. I’m willing to give him some time to complete this process. Worth holding onto

Rick Curwen says: Arriving from Toronto on Sept. 9, Urruti scored his only goal of 2013 against the LA Galaxy in his third appearance for the Timbers. Although he didn't manage any assists in the seven matches (four starts) he played in, his pressure caused defensive errors on two occasions, which led to the Timbers scoring against Colorado and Vancouver. Injury prevented us from seeing more of him this season, but his work rate should fit in well with coach Caleb Porter's style of applying pressure to the opposition high up the pitch in their defensive third. Essential building block

Jennifer Kesgard says: We simply haven’t had Urruti long enough for me to be as scathing as I could be, so I have to let up a teensy bit. But, with what I’ve already seen, I think Bright Dike would have been more effective against Real Salt Lake. He would’ve smashed through their defense without much finesse, but certainly a lot more pressure. I’m not impressed by the trade yet. Urruti has attention-grabbing hair and ball-hogging feet. If you can’t make it, dude, pass it to someone who can. Otherwise, you’re Valencia 2.0. Worth holding onto

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/7645205/"&amp;amp;amp;gt;You be the Timbers GM: Rate Jose Valencia&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;Jamie Goldberg says: Valencia made five spot starts for the Timbers in 2013 and scored his first career MLS goal. Valencia’s speed was certainly an asset at forward, but at times the 21-year-old showed his age by giving away the ball too easily. Reports out of Argentina have indicated that the Timbers will send Valencia out on loan. It wouldn’t be surprising if Portland sends Valencia out on loan to help him develop or to try to sell him to another club. Tradable for the right piece

Kip Kesgard says: Valencia was expected to be the wild card in terms of forwards after sitting out the 2012 season because of cartilage surgery in his left knee, and he certainly had some memorable moments – his first MLS goal in Vancouver to salvage a draw in B.C. Place back in May, two assists versus Toronto FC. He was also a key contributor with five goals during the Timbers reserve season, so he’s got the talent to be a scorer. Where I’m wondering about his future is can he learn how to contribute to the success of players around him, as he seemed to be more interested in taking on defenses himself at times instead of finding open teammates for passes. It’s part of the maturation process for younger players, and my hope is that he’ll integrate himself more within the framework of the team. Worth holding onto

Rick Curwen says: Valencia missed all the 2012 MLS season after undergoing surgery to repair damaged cartilage in his left knee but signed a multiyear contract with the Timbers in February 2013. Used primarily as a second-half substitute, Valencia rarely saw more than 30 minutes in one match. He started five times in the last eight matches as the Timbers made their final push toward the playoffs, recording 3 assists (two in the 4-0 win over Toronto and one in the 1-1 draw against Chivas). His first and only MLS goal so far was the 84th-minute equalizer in the May 18, 2-2 draw against Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. His decision making when in possession of the ball improved as the season progressed, but he has yet to raise the level of his game to where he could be considered a regular starter. Rumors, denied by the club, circulated early this month that Argentine Club Olimpo had signed Valencia on loan with an option to buy. Tradable for the right piece

Jennifer Kesgard says: I’m OK with being the bad gal here. The club’s gone through a lot of trouble to get Valencia here, healthy and playing. Unfortunately, I don’t think his contribution has been worth all the effort. With all the hype, I expected a lot more from him. I don’t know whose fault that it is. It’s just the Timbers need better follow-through and finishing up top, and Valencia hasn’t been dangerous at all. The Timbers can’t afford to have so many young players on the team that aren’t living up to their potential. It’s time to make the tough choices because they need far more effective strikers. Tradable for the right piece